New Hyper Vision HPV-X2 High-Speed Video Camera

Offers 10 Mfps Ultra High-Speed Recording with About Six Times Higher Photosensitivity than Previous Model

Shimadzu Corporation announces the release of its Hyper Vision HPV-X2 high-speed video camera, which offers six times higher photosensitivity than the previous model and ultra-high-speed recording speeds up to 10 million frames per second.

The Hyper Vision HPV-X2 features a new CMOS image sensor that increases photosensitivity by about six times compared to the previous model. Higher photosensitivity means more vivid images can be obtained even under poor lighting conditions, such as under a microscope. In addition, the higher sensitivity allows the observation of a variety of ultra-high-speed phenomena, such as the interactions between cancer cells and drug-filled microcapsules, the fuel injection process of automotive fuel injectors, or the ink ejection process of inkjet printers.

The HPV-X2 offers a recording speed of 10 million frames per second, which is the world’s fastest in its class (according to Shimadzu's investigation on July 16, 2015). Furthermore, the Hyper Vision HPV-X2 includes a function that allows samples to be observed simultaneously from two orientations by synchronizing two cameras. That allows the use of commercial DIC* software to analyze the resulting data so that the deformation of objects can be observed three dimensionally.

*DIC:Digital image correlation
This technique is used to analyze the distribution of sample deformation as a function of time in strength testing and other tests involving sample deformation. It uses a camera to record images of the sample deformation during the test and then applies image processing software to analyze the resulting images. In particular, stereo images obtained with two cameras can be used to obtain three-dimensional displacement distributions of samples. This technique is referred to as 3D-DIC.

Background to the Development

Image-based observation and analysis are essential in research fields involving ultra-high-speed phenomena, not only to research the fast dynamics of advanced materials or advanced devices, but also for plasmas and electrical discharges. Shimadzu has been offering high-speed video cameras with frame rates over a million frames per second since 2003. In 2012, the Hyper Vision HPV-X model achieved a speed of 10 million frames per second, which remains the fastest speed available in this class of video cameras. Consequently, it has contributed significantly to researching ultra-high-speed phenomena.

In recent years, however, there has been an increase in research involving ultra-high-speed phenomena that occur in micro areas with a field-of-view between 10 µm and 10 mm in size, such as for microbubbles, inkjets, and injections. High-speed video camera images of micro areas are captured by using the camera in combination with a microscope or other high-magnification optics. Therefore, high photosensitivity is required to capture the small amount of light that enters the image sensor.

Furthermore, for strength testing or high-speed impact testing of some materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics, two high-speed video cameras are used to capture stereo images that allow three-dimensional analysis of material failure or deformation behavior during high-speed impacts.

Features

1.Six Times Higher Photosensitivity than Previous Models

Incorporating the new FTCMOS2 image sensor developed in collaboration with Professor Sugawa of the Tohoku University, the HPV-X2 offers the highest ISO 16000 photosensitivity of any ultra-high-speed video camera in the world capable of practical QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) recording resolution at a recording speed over 1 million frames per second. With six times higher photosensitivity than the previous model, it allows brighter and more vivid images to be observed, given the same optical conditions.

2.Synchronized Recording Function Synchronizes the Timing of Recording with Two Cameras

Connecting two Hyper Vision HPV-X2 cameras allows images to be obtained with the timing of recording using the two cameras accurately synchronized. This function means that changes in an object can be observed simultaneously from two directions. It also enables analyzing the changes in objects three dimensionally using commercially available image processing software. This allows it to be used for a broader range of applications, such as for R&D of new aerospace components, automobiles, and industrial equipment, or for basic research in medical fields.

3.10 Million Frames per Second Recording Speed and a Recording Capacity of 256 Frames

Two recording modes are available. The HP (half-pixel) mode maximizes the number of frames that can be recorded and the FP (full-pixel) mode maximizes the resolution. The HP mode can record 256 frames with 50,000 pixel resolution at speeds up to 10 million frames per second. The FP mode can record 128 frames with 100,000 pixel resolution at speeds up to 5 million frames per second. The 256 frame capacity and maximum recording speed of 10 million frames per second in the HP mode each represent the highest available in the world in this class of camera.